St Ives Ladies 1sts collected a first East Women’s League win of the season last Saturday – at the ninth attempt.

An early Jules Griffiths goal was enough to earn victory in a Division One North basement battle against bottom side UEA 1sts.

But the St Ives side were reliant on a player-of-the-match performance from goalkeeper Ness Brown to preserve their advantage with a series of outstanding saves.

St Ives 3rds climbed to the Division Four North-West summit after beating previous leaders Cambridge South 2nds 3-1 in a top-of-the-table showdown.

Evie Bennett opened the scoring with her fourth goal in two games and fast-thinking Frankie Wilder doubled the advantage before the break.

Pauline Hammond sealed victory in the second half before the visitors grabbed a late consolation. St Ives 3rds now lead the way in the standings on goal difference.

Megan Slack, Phoebe McInroy and Emily Saul hit the goals as St Ives 4ths triumphed 3-2 against Newmarket 4ths in Division Five North-West (South).

But the 2nds suffered a 4-0 reverse at King’s Lynn side Pelicans in Division Two North-West.